Chapter 73: The Swelling Specter of Death
The battle between the "Grim Reaper" and the "Boundary of Extinction" was fierce.
However, the King's monsters were absolute powerhouses. Awakening Magic Knights possessed considerable power, but they gained strength through rigorous training, leveraging their immortality.
Humans are not monster creatures.
They can only gain power through diligent training.
"Ha... Ha..."
As a result, Luto was on the brink of defeat.
Ever since losing his left arm to the death magic, it had become a one-sided battle. Humans maintain balance with all five limbs, and losing just one arm disrupts their sense of equilibrium. In intense combat, even minor balance shifts have a significant impact. Luto was quickly cornered, and the tide turned in Shu's favor.
"If I had awakened a hundred years ago, maybe I could have fought on more equal ground."
"Who are you exactly?"
"It's rare to meet an Awakening Magic Knight. Let me collect some more magic power from you. I used quite a bit with the death magic, so I need to replenish it."
Shu began siphoning magic power from Luto.
Awakening Magic Knights like Luto could instantly recover it.
Once again, Shu siphoned magic power with death magic.
And the magic power recovered.
This cycle allowed him to begin siphoning a significant amount of magic power.
"Ugh..."
"You're quite stubborn. You won't be satisfied unless you recover what you've used."
The King's monsters who had awakened magic into sorcery, unfortunately, lacked a natural means of magic power recovery. They had to steal magic power. They stole some of it by taking lives and generating magic power through meals. Shu had another method of acquiring magic power, known as death magic.
Only Awakening Magic Knights could unlimitedly steal magic power.
Luto's right hand and both legs were pierced with iron stakes, anchoring him to the ground. He couldn't move properly, and the constant drain of magic power made it difficult to control his magic armor.
"Now, it's almost over."
Shu deployed a magic array at his feet. Through fusion magic, he formed the iron stakes.
Then the stakes were swung down onto Luto's heart.
◆◆◆
The blue sky turned crimson.
A dragon radiating heat flew through the sky.
It was Ike Ariul, the Magic Knight of the "Flame Dragon." He was a shapeshifting magic user specializing in a unique possession type. He housed a powerful fire dragon within him and fought with it.
(I can feel the captain's magic weakening...!)
Thrown a considerable distance by the Forbidden Spell "Ground-Crushing Wind Burst," it took him a while to reach this spot. That time was frustrating.
Ike enhanced his vision with non-systematic strengthening magic.
In the distance, he could see Luto lying on the ground.
(Is that...!)
Luto had lost his left arm and had the rest of his limbs sewn to the ground, about to be dealt the final blow by Shu. Luto was Ike's last remaining comrade and was once again about to fall victim to the "Grim Reaper."
"I might make it—"
—Impossible.
Luto was pierced through the back with an iron stake. His heart was pierced, and he probably died instantly.
Ike could only watch.
It felt like time stood still, and a freezing sensation gripped his heart. However, in the next moment, his hatred blazed.
"Uaaaaaaaah!"
He poured magic into his magic armor, becoming a burning meteor aimed at the "Grim Reaper."
His speed reached almost supersonic, and the intense heat increased. This power could obliterate a small village with a single strike. When used on a single human, it was undoubtedly fatal.
The "Grim Reaper" Shu noticed Ike.
However, it was already too late to react.
Ike attacked faster than the "Grim Reaper" could respond.
"Haaaaaa!"
A thud, and dust filled the air.
The wave of heat passed.
And when the dust cleared, Shu had Ike by the face.
"If you were going to ambush me, you should have stayed silent."
Even a catastrophic magic armor attack could be absorbed by Shu's death magic. By launching such a conspicuous attack as Ike did, it was only natural that Shu could defend against it.
Ike struggled and groaned.
"Just... let go!"
"Fine."
Shu threw Ike aside. Ike tumbled and let out cries of pain.
Iris, who had been watching the battle from a distance, finally approached Shu.
"Are you going to kill him like this?"
"Yeah, he's not worth keeping alive. Killing him is more beneficial."
This would eliminate a major force within the Subarokia Empire that was targeting the "Grim Reaper." It would benefit Shu without causing any harm.
The difference in power was absolute.
It would not be overturned.
"I'll curse you... even if I die, I'll kill you."
"I see. Die, then."
There was no mercy.
Shu killed Ike with death magic. He instantly absorbed and converted his life energy into magic power. Ike, who had fallen, did not move.
He uttered his final curse, but it held no power.
"It's over, Iris."
"I-I was surprised, you know."
"That was such an obvious attack. You should have noticed."
Due to the shockwave of Ike's final attack, Iris had been blown away. Her injuries had healed thanks to the immortality of her magic armor, but she couldn't get rid of the sand that had entered her mouth. She tried to spit out the sand.
Shu heard a small spat.
"As planned, we've crushed the forces of the empire that were after me. I'm looking forward to the reactions of the emperor and the upper echelons."
"We certainly made a mess, didn't we? There's no one left trying to kill Shu-san, the 'Grim Reaper!'"
"Yeah, and we've also spread the word to the Rebellion Revolutionary Army."
The power of the "Grim Reaper" had become known to the world. More accurately, it had spread within the Subarokia Empire's territory.
They should understand that trying to kill Shu would result in significant damage. Annoying plans to kill the "Grim Reaper" would likely disappear. Instead, they might try to get on Shu's good side.
And the underground organization, the Black Cat, would realize the current "Grim Reaper" was useful.
Shu's power was increasing.
Not in terms of strength or authority, but through the invisible force of fear. The phantom known as the "Grim Reaper" was growing on its own, swelling rapidly.
Assassination of important figures.
Destruction of fortresses with forbidden spells.
The capacity for words was not vast, but their weight was extraordinary.
"Let's go back, Iris."
"Yes, of course!"
The two of them vanished from the scene.
Five days later, until a reconnaissance team sent to investigate the unresponsive extermination squad arrived, no one came to this location. And the once rugged Glen Rockfield, which had become a level plain, would later be called "The Plain of Dust."
◆◆◆
The suppression of the 'Death God' failed.
That report quickly reached the Emperor. Of course, the four Grand Dukes also knew.
"Has the Awakened, Lut Reivan, died? I can't believe the 'Death God' is an Awakened as well."
Emperor Gias Sylitarti Murjif Barat Noaz Subarokia murmured. Only Awakened Magic Knights can kill other Awakened Magic Knights, leading them to mistakenly believe that the 'Death God' was an Awakened.
They would never have thought that its true identity was a monster.
The Grand Dukes in the same room also spoke one by one.
"It backfired trying to nurture young Awakeneds."
"Yes, it's a shame. It's been fifty years since an Awakened was born in the Empire. We had high hopes."
"There's no help for it; it's our mistake for underestimating the 'Death God.'"
"This time, it's our fault."
Noaz, Ista, Sauz, and Vest, each of the Grand Dukes, spoke in turn. In the Subarokia Empire, there were several Awakened Magic Knights who could be considered as trump cards. The same was true for the Sacred Grinia to the east.
For the country, Awakened Magic Knights were the trump cards in war.
They could singlehandedly sway the course of battles.
They were equivalent to strategic weapons.
Awakened Magic Knights, with their infinite lifespans, could gain limitless power through training. As long as they weren't killed, they would continue to be a force for the great empire.
"If the 'Death God' is indeed an Awakened, we should refrain from taking action against it. It's more appropriate to offer compensation and hire it. Fortunately, it's not a freelancer; it belongs to an organization. I, for one, want to avoid losing more forces because of the 'Death God,' especially with the Revolutionary Army Liberation in mind."
"I agree with Emperor. We should make use of the 'Death God.'"
"What's with you, Noaz? Do you also want to make use of it?"
"Yes, I mentioned it before, the northern vassal state... they seem to be starting a full-scale rebellion. There's no doubt they're influenced by the Revolutionary Army Liberation. Let's request the 'Death God' to take their heads. There are even rumors that the Sacred Grinia is supporting the Revolutionary Army Liberation. I don't want to waste unnecessary budget and effort."
"I've heard about it too. It's a viable plan. Prepare the budget and submit the paperwork. I'll personally put my seal on it."
"Yeah, I'll do it after this."
They no longer had any intention of trying to kill the 'Death God' among them.
Originally, the Black Cat organization was indispensable to the Subarokia Empire as well. Thanks to the powerful underground organization, unnecessary darkness was kept at bay. It was a necessary evil.
The 'Death God' was a part of the Black Cat and served as a senior member of the assassination division.
It was a pity that they had lost General Schmidt of 'Inferno,' but there was no need to worry anymore. The Emperor and the Grand Dukes were not simple individuals who couldn't calculate gains and losses.
"Emperor, speaking of which, it's about time for the Black Cat to hold its gathering."
"They've chosen a troublesome time to gather."
Ista's suggestion was something Emperor Gias also knew.
With the Revolutionary Army Liberation gaining power and the Sacred Grinia eyeing the weaknesses of the great empire, the continent would soon be engulfed in war. In anticipation of this, the Subarokia Empire was amassing strength and even resurrecting the powers of the past.
"In preparation for war, I've been preparing as well. The report should have reached all of you."
"You mean Albein's staff. I can't believe we're resurrecting the power used by the legendary hero..."
"Actually, it's not the power of the hero, but the power he sealed away."
"But it will become a trump card in the war."
"I've seen the experimental records, and it's almost ready for practical use. I have high hopes."
Noaz strongly agreed. Of course, not only Noaz but also Ista, Sauz, and Vest had no objections. However, if the legends were true, Albein's staff sealed tremendous power.
In that regard, Sauz expressed concern.
"But can it really be controlled? It's true that the staff contains power that rivals or even surpasses Awakened Magic Knights... I can't believe it can be controlled by an ordinary human."
Sauz wasn't saying this without any basis. He had read the experimental reports and received advice from experts. In response, Gias answered.
"Yes, I've also received reports. It can't use its full power. In ideal conditions, it's about seventy percent... In actual battles, even half its power would be fortunate."
The Subarokia Empire already had numerous Magic Knights and soldiers at its disposal. Their stockpile of magical tools and potions was more than sufficient. Most importantly, the trump card was the staff of the hero Albein, which sealed the Demon King Belorg.
"Regardless, the top priority is to get through the Black Cat's gathering without any issues."
The Emperor's words were deeply acknowledged by the other four.
From now on, a struggle would begin over the 'Death God' between the great empire and the Revolutionary Army Liberation. It was a war of offering the most attractive rewards.
The 'Death God'... no, the power of the Dark King Shu Arklight had become impossible to ignore.
The fate of the country depended on the mood of the Dark King.
The continent was on the verge of a chaotic era.